Blog Post
6 Signs of Drainage Issues in Your Yard & How to Fix Them
November 5, 2025
If your lawn feels soft after rain or puddles linger for days, you may have a drainage problem. Poor drainage does more than make a mess; it can damage plants, weaken your lawn, and threaten your home’s foundation.
Here’s how to spot drainage issues in your yard, what causes them, and how to fix them for good.
Common Signs of Drainage Problems
1. Standing Water
If puddles linger for more than a day, your yard likely has compacted soil or improper grading. In Whatcom County, heavy rains and clay soil often make this worse.
2. Soggy or Spongy Grass
Waterlogged roots can’t breathe. Over time, grass turns yellow and dies in random patches.
3. Erosion or Washouts
Fast-moving runoff carves ruts, exposes roots, and washes away mulch or soil.
4. Wilting Plants in Wet Beds
Plants that wilt despite regular watering are often drowning. Most Northwest perennials like moist soil, but not saturation.
5. Water Near the Foundation
Pooling near your home can lead to basement leaks, cracks, and mold.
6. Mosquitoes and Algae
Stagnant water invites mosquitoes and leaves slick green film on patios or walkways.
Quick Self-Check
Use this checklist to confirm a drainage issue:
- Water lingers more than 24 hours after rain
- The soil near your foundation stays damp
- Certain plants or lawn sections always die back
- You notice muddy streaks or exposed roots
- Mulch or soil washes away after storms
Two or more “yes” answers mean it’s time for a drainage assessment.
How to Fix Drainage Issues in Your Yard
Every property drains differently, so the best fix depends on your soil, slope, and how water moves through the space.
| Problem | DIY Approach | Professional Fix |
| Pooling lawn areas | Core aeration, compost topdressing | Regrading, French drain |
| Water by foundation | Extend downspouts | Drainage system tied to storm line |
| Soil erosion | Add mulch or groundcover | Create swales or dry creek beds |
| Soggy beds | Loosen soil, add organic matter | Subsurface drain or soil correction |
| Persistent wet spots | Adjust irrigation | French drain or dry well |
Professional Drainage Solutions That Work
Regrading and Soil Correction
Reshaping the ground helps water flow away from your home. Our team can also amend clay-heavy soil so it drains properly.
French Drains and Dry Wells
A French drain collects and redirects water underground. A dry well stores runoff and lets it absorb slowly into the soil, which is ideal for wetter properties.
Swales and Creek Beds
Swales are shallow, grass-lined channels that guide runoff naturally. Designed well, they blend into your landscape while preventing erosion.
Gutter and Downspout Adjustments
Redirecting roof runoff is one of the simplest ways to fix foundation moisture. Extending downspouts or adding catch basins often makes a big difference.
Moisture-Tolerant Plantings
For naturally damp spots, hardy plants like ferns, sedges, and Japanese iris stabilize soil and absorb water while keeping the area attractive.
Why Hire a Professional
Online guides for how to fix drainage issues in your yard make it sound simple, but lasting results require more than a shovel.
A professional landscaper can:
- Identify the true cause, not just the symptoms
- Calculate slope and flow for safe water movement
- Install drains correctly and to code
- Blend drainage improvements into your yard design
At North County Landscape Co., we’ve helped homeowners across Whatcom County solve persistent drainage problems with systems built for the Pacific Northwest’s rain and soil.
What to Expect With North County
- Schedule: Call us to discuss your yard goals and schedule an in-person consultation.
- Prepare: We’ll inspect your property and identify the source of the issue.
- Plan: You’ll receive a clear proposal with repair options.
- Approve: Once signed, we’ll schedule and introduce your project lead.
- Enjoy: A healthy, dry yard that looks good year-round.
If you’re seeing drainage issues in your yard, don’t wait for the next storm to make them worse. North County Landscape Co. designs long-term drainage systems that protect your home, your lawn, and your investment. Get a free estimate and enjoy a yard that stays dry, even when the rain doesn’t stop.
FAQs
How much does drainage repair cost?
Simple fixes like downspout extensions may cost a few hundred dollars. Full drainage systems or grading work can range into the thousands.
Can poor drainage kill my lawn?
Yes. Prolonged saturation cuts off oxygen to roots, leading to yellowing and dieback.
Do I need a professional?
If water collects near your home or repeatedly kills grass, yes. Proper drainage takes planning and experience to do safely and effectively.
When is the best time for drainage work?
Fall through early spring works best in the Pacific Northwest, when the ground is soft but not frozen.
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